--- product_id: 174235264 title: "Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed" price: "SAR 451" currency: SAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.com.sa/products/174235264-western-esotericism-a-guide-for-the-perplexed store_origin: SA region: Saudi Arabia --- # Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed **Price:** SAR 451 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed - **How much does it cost?** SAR 451 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.sa](https://www.desertcart.com.sa/products/174235264-western-esotericism-a-guide-for-the-perplexed) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Western esotericism has been a pervasive presence in Western culture from late antiquity to the present day, but until recently it was largely ignored by scholars and surrounded by misconceptions and prejudice. This accessible guide provides readers with the basic knowledge and tools that will allow them to find their way in this bewildering but fascinating field. What is it that unites phenomena as diverse as ancient gnosticism and hermetism, the "occult sciences" of astrology, alchemy, and magic, rosicrucianism, as well as Christian theosophy, occultism, spiritualism, and the contemporary New Age spiritualities? What can the study of them teach us about our common cultural and intellectual heritage, and what is it that makes them relevant to contemporary concerns? How do we distinguish reliable historical knowledge from legends and fictions about esoteric traditions? These and many other questions are answered clearly and succinctly, so that the reader can find his way into the labyrinth of Western esotericism and out of it again. Review: Dated, but a reasonable intro - I found this a reasonable, albeit dated introduction to what has become to be called "Western Esotericism" by today's schoolmen. I got started long before it became institutionalized in scholarly circles as a course of study, then esotericism was "kind of" studied (and much derided) as an obscure topic in "history of ideas". I am uncomfortable with the singularity of "Western Esotericism" as it implies if western then there must be other esotericisms (so where are they?). I see a general fragmentation into a plethora of adjective esotercisms. Nor do I see esotericism as an ideological -ism per se. Rather as an existential engagement (some might say intanglement) of noetic-noematic activity or mind that understands the world's appearance and dynamics differently from received perspectives taught to us. On the whole this does well as an introduction, that is to say a point of departure not arrival... Review: If you're thinking about it, do it. - This text is exactly as advertised, I'm a blank slate beginner when it comes to esotericism and this book has been th perfect starting ground. It's a really great introduction to the philosophy and history involved and makes no attempt to guide the reader down one path or another. You could easily read this whole book and come away unconvinced that there is any sort of divinity in this world, but have still gained much from the scholarly look into the subject. I think it's a good read for anyone, period. ## Features - Used Book in Good Condition ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #1,101,051 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #84 in Religious History (Books) #360 in General History of Religion #462 in History of Religions | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 113 Reviews | ## Images ![Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eUhd0RI5L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dated, but a reasonable intro *by G***S on October 8, 2024* I found this a reasonable, albeit dated introduction to what has become to be called "Western Esotericism" by today's schoolmen. I got started long before it became institutionalized in scholarly circles as a course of study, then esotericism was "kind of" studied (and much derided) as an obscure topic in "history of ideas". I am uncomfortable with the singularity of "Western Esotericism" as it implies if western then there must be other esotericisms (so where are they?). I see a general fragmentation into a plethora of adjective esotercisms. Nor do I see esotericism as an ideological -ism per se. Rather as an existential engagement (some might say intanglement) of noetic-noematic activity or mind that understands the world's appearance and dynamics differently from received perspectives taught to us. On the whole this does well as an introduction, that is to say a point of departure not arrival... ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you're thinking about it, do it. *by C***R on July 18, 2021* This text is exactly as advertised, I'm a blank slate beginner when it comes to esotericism and this book has been th perfect starting ground. It's a really great introduction to the philosophy and history involved and makes no attempt to guide the reader down one path or another. You could easily read this whole book and come away unconvinced that there is any sort of divinity in this world, but have still gained much from the scholarly look into the subject. I think it's a good read for anyone, period. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very clear with big ideas *by P***O on January 2, 2025* I loved the first half which was filled with big ideas. The second half was a bit drier and more textbook-like. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.com.sa/products/174235264-western-esotericism-a-guide-for-the-perplexed](https://www.desertcart.com.sa/products/174235264-western-esotericism-a-guide-for-the-perplexed) --- *Product available on Desertcart Saudi Arabia* *Store origin: SA* *Last updated: 2026-06-01*